Anti-Decadence Pastor Accused Of Public Masturbation

Grant Storms Has Been Vocal Opponent Of Gay Festival

Grant Storms, a conservative pastor who has staged protests against New Orleans' Southern Decadence Festival, was arrested Friday on accusations of masturbating in a public park.

Update: Pastor Offers Tearful Apology

Storms, 53, was charged with obscenity after two witnesses told deputies they saw him touching himself while watching children on the playground at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, according to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.

Storms told deputies he was just having lunch at the park when he had to go to the bathroom, so he relieved himself in a bottle.

But two women said they saw Storms masturbating, and they notified sheriff's deputies. Officials said Storms later admitted to inappropriate conduct.